Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 396

About this issue

Published by Beadle and Adams, February 17, 1883, this installment continues the serial adventures of California Joe, a famous plains scout, in "California Joe's War Trail," subtitled "The Minnesota Massacre," by Captain Fred. Whittaker. The narrative opens during summer 1862 on the Northwestern plains, where a small band of white Union fugitives—seven people including women and children—are trapped in ravines called "bad lands." California Joe and his partner Jack Corbett, seasoned scouts, volunteer to defend them against approaching hostile Indians. The story depicts their tactical defense: outnumbered forty to two, they hold a ravine mouth against mounted Indian charges, killing several warriors with rifle and revolver fire. Meanwhile, Joe discovers additional Indian forces approaching from another direction and strategically divides their defense, with Joe riding to defend the opposite end of the ravine system while Corbett maintains their position, anticipating nightfall will provide tactical advantage since Indians reportedly avoid nocturnal combat.